Pakistan desires peace for region's well-being, says Imran as nation marks 55th Defence Day

Tariq Butt, Correspondent 

The nation marked its 55th Pakistan Defence Day on Sunday to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen heroes during the 1965 war with India.

People watch fireworks to mark the Defence Day on the outskirts of Islamabad. AFP

The main ceremony for Defence Day was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs Monument.

In his message to the countrymen on Defence Day, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its weakness, adding that the country's armed forces were "fully capable" of defending the country.

"The resilient nation and the battle-hardened armed forces of Pakistan have time and again proved that they are fully capable of defending the country and are fully prepared to meet any kind of eventuality," the premier said via Twitter.

Members of the PAF stand in formation at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Reuters

The premier honoured the fallen heroes of the war, saying that 55 years ago, the nation and the men in uniform "proved that it is not the size that matters, but it is the courage and devotion that matters the most."

"September 6 is a day in Pakistan’s glorious history that is commemorated as a symbol of courage, strong will and unmatched spirit of sacrifice by our gallant armed forces.

In his message to the countrymen on Defence Day, President Arif Alvi said that Pakistan would never compromise on its sovereignty and security, making it clear that any kind of misadventure by the enemy would be dealt with severely.

"It makes me happy to state that we have achieved self-reliance in the defence field. We have thwarted external aggression; we have successfully defeated terrorism and extremism, and now we are on the path towards economic prosperity."

People celebrate as they watch fireworks to mark the Defence Day on the outskirts of Islamabad. AFP

He said the day was a reminder of the spirit and valour of Pakistan's armed forces and the nation through which they thwarted the evil designs of the enemy on this day, 55 years ago.

The president said the nation saluted the martyrs as well as their families for their fortitude as they set a great example of patriotism by sacrificing their loved ones for defence of the country.

"The spirit of September 1965 still lives in our hearts and I can proudly say that because of this, we have been successful in many testing times. Our armed forces’ professional excellence, combat readiness, and above all their unwavering faith in Allah has made Pakistan invincible,” he added.

Shahbaz Sharif (C) stands with party leaders to pay tribute and pray in front of the Martyrs' Memorial monument in Lahore. AFP

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif tweeted that while the country paid homage to its martyrs, "we must invoke the spirit of sacrifice and national cohesion that marked this day to take Pakistan forward."

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that those who "sacrificed their lives in the line of duty are the nation's heroes" and the martyrs would remain alive in the memories of generations to come.

A female cadet guard during a ceremony to mark Defence Day at the Mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. AP

A change of guards was also held at the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah 's mausoleum with Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfar as the chief guest of the ceremony. A contingent of 46 cadets of the Pakistan Air Force Asghar Khan Academy took over guard duties. A ceremony was also held at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.